More free support for businesses and additional funding opportunities available in Cherwell.

05/07/2017 | NEWS

Businesses in Cherwell are reminded about the help available from Cherwell District Council and the free business support and funding opportunities available to them through the local enterprise partnerships OxLEP and SEMLEP.

Local help to make your business flourishis available from Cherwell District Council's economic growth service. The team offers information, advice and guidance including practical support and project development. If you require business support, please email economy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.

In addition to the newly launched Elevate programme, helping to boost local SME entrepreneurs across the OxLEP area, The Food and Drink Forum is offering grant funding to food and drink manufacturers through the FEAST programme.

FEAST offers a range of support to SMEs in the SEMLEP area including grants to help purchase production equipment valued between £2,500 and £80,000 to improve their competitiveness.

Interested parties simply need to complete a short business diagnostic and a grant application form. An adviser will be on hand throughout your application process for guidance. Additional support is available through FEAST including; business mentoring, industry-specific events, technical support and technical apprentices.

Should you wish to speak to one an adviser to check eligibility, or to begin a grant application please call Amanda on 01933 664437.

Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) offered through SERCO is fully funded training courses to help your business grow. It is a programme developed to up skill employees within SMEs. They provide recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance your employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of your business and boost the local economy.

SERCO will work with you to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to your needs and because this programme is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Skills Funding

Agency (SFA), you can support your workforce at no extra cost to your business.

Contact SERCO today for more details and to find out if you are eligible for funded training through SSW: skillssupport@serco.com.